Family and big stars highlight Tonga World Cup Squad
IN the first of two World Cup squads that dropped overnight, Tonga has announced some big names among its squad for the 2023 World Cup.
The squad includes 15 names, with no word on which three will be the travelling reserves.
Captained by Queensland Firebirds Training Partner Hulita Veve, the biggest name is former Australian Diamond Mo’onia Gerrard. The 42 year old – who recently joined the board of Netball Australia – will suit up again and play for Tonga Tala in Cape Town.
Gerrard is not the only member of her family among the Tongan squad, with her niece – and NSW Swifts Training Partner – Kelea Iongi also making the cut.
Cathrine Tuivaiti is another big name on the list. The ex-Silver Fern has most recently been playing in Australia for the Gold Coast Titans in the Sapphire Series.
Fans of Victorian state league netball will also recognise several faces in this squad, with City West Falcons trio Uneeq Palavi, Beyonce Palavi and Lucia Fauonuku all included.
The 2023 World Cup is set to be a historic one for Tonga, with the island nation set to compete in the ‘main round’ of a Netball World Cup for the first time.
Tonga Squad Netball World Cup 2023
Luana Aukafolau
Lose Fainga’anuku
Lucia Fauonuku
Mo’onia Gerrard
Marie Hansen
Kelea Iongi
Jessyka Ngauamo
Beyonce Palavi
Uneeq Palavi
Silia Setefano
Peti Talanoa
Slote Taufa
Valu Toutaiolepo
Cat Tuivaiti
Hulita Veve
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